Posts tagged ‘finding an agent’

The following is a list of websites to help writers find markets and agents. In the future I will discuss each site in more detail, but I thought I would offer this piece for writers to explore these sites, if they want, on their own.

First, I am sad to say that one of my favorite sites to explore the validity of markets and agents no longer exists. The site is Preditors & Editors, a site I have looked to over the years for their opinion about markets and agents. They will be sorely missed.

Now let’s deal with markets.

To my mind, Duotrope is the go-to site for seeking markets for fiction, non-fiction and poetry. Once free, it now charges 50$ a year to use it. Although there are some that argue about the fee, I think, for the service they provide, it is well worth the cost. This site is a fantastic search-engine to find markets specific to your work.

In my opinion, this is the site to first visit when seeking an agent. The site is for the Association of Writers Representative. You can search the site for your specific genre and be connected to the agent’s site. You should never have to pay an agent to read your work. With the agents associated with this site, you never will. They have taken a pledge of honesty.

For those of you seeking a publisher, one of the first steps might entail finding an agent. For many publishers, the only way to approach them is through an agent. Agents are, to a great extent, the gatekeepers for publishers. They make their money from a percentage of the income generated by your book so an agent will not take on a book unless it has potential. If you don’t make money the agent doesn’t make money.

As in every profession, there are members who are less than honest. First, you should NEVER, NEVER, EVER, EVER pay for an agent to read your work. If the agent has a reading fee run like hell. Another more the nebulous con is that the agent agrees to represent your book but suggests that it needs edition. This could be a valid suggestion. However, the problem arises when the agent suggests and editor with which they have a prearranged agreement. With the suggestion of an editor, this could be an honest evaluation or a scam. I strongly suggest you do your homework. That’s where I hope to help the writer by a series of posts giving you sources where you can check on the reputation of agents and also publishers.

This initial post will introduce you to the Association of Authors’ Representatives (a.a.r.). This organization has a strict set of standards which their members must follow. One, of course, is not charging a reading fee. Use the link I have provided to explore the organization. You will find you can query by genre, agent’s name or agency. This is a useful tool in your search for an agent. Next: Predators & Editors.

I have just finished the final draft of my novel, The Beast Awaits, and have once again started looking for an agent who would accept this book.
The reason for this update is that I find that the approach one must take has changed. In the past, you were able to search the website for The Association of Authors Representatives

After you have done your homework, examined the various sites mentioned in this blog and read up on writing a good query letter and synopsis, there is yet another website that must be checked.
ABSOLUTE WRITER WATER COOLER is where you can find other writers’ experiences with agents and publishers. Before you submit that fruit of your labor and all the dreams that go along with finishing a novel, check out this site. Here, you can find out first hand, how the people you are about to deal with have dealt with others.
Once you have written your novel, some of the hardest work is still ahead of you. Share your work with others. Join a writer’s group if at all possible. I have been a member of the Wordwrights for some years now and found them to be a constant source of editing and insight into my pieces, and support.
Now that the fires of your inspiration have given you this work, although it is difficult, you must edit, edit and edit. Most of all, you must believe in yourself and your work. Do not let rejection get you down. I truly feel the difference between a published writer and one that publishes nothing is the willingness to persevere.

This is the first in a series of articles exploring the convoluted process the vast majority of those of you hoping to publish a novel or book of nonfiction will go through. There are the lucky ones, we all read about them, but if you are reading this, there is a good chance you are not one of them. The immediate question I’m sure most of you are asking at this point is, “Do you have an agent?”
The answer is NO. But I’m still trying and will continue until my novel sees life, or I don’t. It’s easy as that. However, I have studied the markets and websites that will help you find someone who has faith in your work. That knowledge is what I will share with you in this article.
This whole writing business is not for one with a fragile ego; not for one who cannot accept rejection and criticism. At the same time, you must be strong enough to believe your work is worthy of publication. With that, comes a healthy dose of honesty and self-examination. You must have a firm belief that your writing is good and it is just a matter of time before an agent or publisher will discover this fact.
I must digress. I recently published an article about Duotrope, a most helpful website for writers. It is an excellent place to find venues to publish your work be it short stories, poems, and yes, novels. I have now discovered, that with the current economic condition, it is more valuable than ever. There are a host of places that are closing or not accepting new submissions. I have sent stories to publishers in the last few months that have been rejected, but at the same time, wanted to see more of my work. Recently, I decided to submit to them again only to find that they were closed or not accepting work until further notice. Duotrope is the best source that I know of to find up to the minute information on who is publishing and who is not. Support them, if you can.
Now back to finding an agent. First, I recommend you read a copy of Guide to Literary Agents published by Writer’s Digest Books. Here you will receive information on writing query letters, a synopsis, and for the nonfiction writer, a proposal. There are other books that cover the same topics, but this is the one I have used.
You can study the latest copies of such books for the above information. But for the latest information on contacting agents and what agent is looking for a particular genre, I suggest using the internet. Also, once your novel is complete, and never seek an agent or publisher until it is, you will find that the requirements they want for query letters or a synopsis will vary widely from what you have read.
Most also want to see some of the novel, ranging from the only the first page to the complete work.
Now, how do you go about finding an agent?
First, remember this, you should NEVER have to pay a reputable agent to read your work. Second, if an agent says your work needs editing and knows an editor that will edit your novel for a fee, run away immediately. Some agents use this gimmick to make money. However, you may encounter office fees that you must pay for copying and postage. These fees are acceptable and should be expected. Let’s face it, the possibility of publishing a novel is an ego trip and there are people out there who are more than willing to feed on your ego.
However, there is a way to protect yourself. The Association of Authors’ Representatives (AAR) adhere to a high standard of principles to become members. These are the agents you want to deal with. Their website will appear at the end of this article. This is not saying that these are the only reputable agent’s; further articles will explore how you can check an agent’s track record.
This piece should help start on the road to finding an agent and selling your novel. To say that it is a bumpy road is putting it mildly, persevere, believe in yourself, but be careful.
GOOD LUCK